The new school year approaches full of hope to the children. It is normal for parents to feel anxious but planning, keeping calm and organization can make the process easier and more successful.
The child just finished the summer vacation, relaxed and happy, and needs to be well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
In this blog, we will try to shed some light on the most important tips to prepare your child for the changes that will occur with the new school year.
It starts early
The process starts early. It is better to plan two weeks before the school year’s starting date. This transitional phase is needed to make the kid gets ready for the first day of school.
Below are some tips that are recommended during this period:
- The sleeping routine should change. The bedtime should be close to the school days.
- Revise some of the last year’s lessons.
- Talk with the kid about the new school year that is approaching and repeat some related topics and words “are not you excited?”, “You will meet your best school friend soon”
- Reduce the “going out” times and stay at home often especially when bedtime approaches.
- Rearrange the furniture in the kid’s room to change the view and create a new atmosphere.
- Buy the school stationary so early and make sure that the kid is choosing his own stuff. Put them at the desk.
- Buy the uniform, try it with your kid and take some photos.
- Pay a visit to the school premises and take some photos, make it as casual as possible. This will refresh your kid’s memory.
- Meet the teachers and have a casual talk with them while the kid is involved.
- Make a farewell party for the summer vacation and talk about the good memories you had together and give some hints about the new school year that will begin so soon. Make it fun and full of games.
The new school year starts
The first day comes and you need to work accordingly. Be calm and rest assured that the more you take it slowly, the more it will be a success.
More tips are below to build up what was mentioned in the previous period:
- Prepare the school bag together, let your kid decide, and be aware of its contents. Participation is the key. It is fine to put his favorite toy or book- if the school rules allow.
- Plan for the school day put a schedule together and adhere to it as much as you can. It should contain the sleeping time, free time, homework and all relevant.
- Prepare the lunchbox together and make sure it contains a nutritious food mix of protein carbs and fats.
- Have a friendly chat with the child about what happens in the school day “did you meet your best friend?” “What was your favorite part of the day?” “Did you like the atmosphere?” “What did you dislike the most?”. Let him do the talk and listen. Do not focus on the grades but rather on his feelings.
- Your daily routine should change accordingly, try to sleep at the same times as your kid, or at least take him to bed and spend some time there. While the kid is doing his homework, you may read a book in the same room or even do some office work or simply enjoy your hobby. Again, participation is the key, give your kid the feeling that it is your first day at school as well!
- Print out the school schedule, invest some money to make it colorful and shiny. Hang it on the wall and refer to it more often.
- Take with your child about the below safety instructions:
- Tips on the school bus, to look carefully before hopping on, and to watch closely for the road on both sides while crossing the street.
- Follow the Covid 19 precautions, to put on the mask and wash the hands frequently.
- To eat well and distribute the meals over the day.
- Interact with the teachers.
- On the second day of school, buy your kid a nice gift and talk positively about him. Praise his good attitude.